ABAA Fellow???

I have every intention of becoming an member. I believe, strongly, that it is important for the profession having a stated code of ethics as is actually holding members to that code. I do believe that being able to say you are an ABAA member really does “mean” something and I look forward to being able to join when I am eligible.
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For very good reasons, among the eligibility requirements is the need to be in business for at least 4 years (in addition to a reasonable number of other, relatively strenuous, requirements). I do not object to this at all, as I understand the purpose. However, I think some interim status could be truly beneficial…both to the ABAA itself and to emerging dealers.

I propose that there be some interim status, for here, we can call it “ABAA Fellows.” To be eligible you might need to be in business for 2 years, be sponsored by at least two ABAA members in good standing and be willing to take on mentor member. Perhaps there could be programs and/or materials made available for such Fellows.

My thought, in this, is that one of the real “loses” in the evolution of the web as one of the primary vending points of used/rare/fine books is the loss of “learning at the knee” of an older, established, dealer. It seems to me that no one is better placed, or has a more vested interest, in seeing that the next generation of dealers *knows* stuff than the ABAA. Part of their mission, if it is not already so, should really be focused on cultivating, training and supporting the next generation of dealers.

As it is now, it seems that the ABAA’s position is, “if you can last four years and not be a complete fraud, we will consider you for admission.” I suggest it should look at the middle ground and find some way support emerging dealers who are striving to provide a level of service and professionalism second to none. I will happily wait the next two or so years before I am eligible to join. I just wish I could be doing something in the interim that would make me feel like I was moving toward it…not chronologically, but professionally.